The effect of PAC campaign contributions on congressional votes has become a perennial issue in American politics. Critics of PACs are convinced that they distort the democratic process and corrupt our political system in favor of those who can raise the most money. Many politicians freely admit—once they are out of office—that it is a myth to think that PACs don’t want something in return. They may want only to be “remembered” on one or two crucial votes or helped with an occasional intervention with government agencies, but multiply instances of one or two “favors” by the thousands of special interests that are organized today and the worst fears of the hyperpluralists may be realized—a government that constantly yields to every special interest.
PACs appear to be more politically active than ever. Among Democrats, overall PAC spending jumped by no less than 50 percent between 1999 and 2014. Among Republicans, it more than doubled. But as the figures that follow demonstrate, this surge in recent PAC spending does not signal a general rise in interest group activity. Rather, the spike in PAC spending is primarily due to increased donations from corporations.